The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-10-15


Beautiful. asked aims of those who were
passing into the temple. In order to
appreciate their import, and the spirit
in which they were uttered, we need to
look back over the life of Peter, and
notice how, under the influence of
Christ's teachings, he had changed from
an impulsive, narrow minded man to a
faithful, high-minded, self-sacri6cing
Christian, with a due appreciation Of
superiority of spiritual blessings over
silver and gold. The history of this
apostle shows how human nature can
be strengthened and solidified into char
acter by the application of Christian
principles for he, though at first rash
and weak, became one Of the most
staunch and efficient teachers of Christ
ianity. We may learn also from this
history that a true appreciation of the
divine principles of Jesus can be gained
only by gradually increasing percep-
ton of mind and spirit. Peter and his
brother Andrew were called by Jesus
while they were engaged in their lowly
vocation of fishing, with the promise
that he would make them fishers of men.
Soon after, Jesus took them, with
others he had chosen, apart, into a
mountain, and there unfolded to them
the truths he would have them under
stand and promulgate. This Sermon
on the Mount is the most exhaustive
treatise of Christianity to be found in
the entire New Testament. Here are
set forth facts, principles and promises;
and if we had no other word from Jesus
than these in which he instructed and
ordained his disciples, we would not be
left without clear and concise expla-
nation of the true animus of the Cos
pei. 1t begins with the beatitudes and
abounds with declarations of principles
as clear as the light. That Peter had
not clear perception of the true ami
mus of Christ's teaching is evident in
questions which he afterward put to
the Master, as to what reward he should
receive for leaving all and following him.
1t is evident also in his cowardly denial
of Jesus in his hour of deepest agony
and greatest need. However, we can
but be impressed by the tender aud
faithful solicitude which Jesus mani
tested for Peter, and by his great hope
of him even in times of his most recre-
ant behavior. 1t seemed that God had
chosen this apostle for mighty work
and Jesus could not give him up, but
fOrgave, even as he taught him to for
give, seventy times seven times. when
they came unto the coasts of Cesarea
Phillippi, Jesus asked the disciples,
whom do men say that l am They
answered, some say that thou art John
the Baptist, some Elias and others Jer-
emiah or one of the prophets He
saith unto them, but whom say ye that
1 am? And Simon Peter answered,
Thou art the Christ, the son of the
living God" This recognition of and
loyalty to the truth on which Christian
ity must be builded rejoiced the heart
of the Master, and he feelingly respond
ed, blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona,
for flesh and blood hath not revealed
this unto thee, but my Father, which is
in heaven"
Aswe reach this point in the history OF
Peters life, it is easy to discern a grow
ing spiritual perception, clearer in-
sight into the things of the kingdom.
Evidently he had made great progress
since Jesus sent him forth as fisher of
men, but that he yet only half under
stood the truth, is evident in what fol-
lowed. When the fact was revealed
that, in the establishing of this king
dom Jesus must go to Jerusalem, meet
the chief priests face to face, be expos
ed to the wrath of the Seribes and Phar-
isees, and finally suffer death, Peter re-
buked him, and presumptuously de-
clared that it must not be. But Jesus
turned and said unto Peter, Get thee
behind me, Satan. Thou art an offense
unto me, for thou savorest not of the
things that be of God, but those that
be of men. If any man will follow me,
let him take up his cross, for whose
ever will save his life shall lose it, and
whatsoever will lose his life for my sake
shall find it," The various phases of
mind, and degrees of faith seen in Peter
are fair Illustrations of human character
when il is but partially educated in di-
vine things. They show the gradual
enlargement of the mind, and the nee
essarily slow adjustment of the life TO
the kingdom of God. We need not
hope to find in the prOfessed followers
Of Christ perfect exemplifcation of
his principles, nor all sides of human
character fully rounded out at once; but
rather gradual and sure expansion of
mind and spirit toward the broader and
better life.
Soon after this rebuke, Jesus took
Peter, James and John into a mountain
where he was TRANSPORTED before them.
The record says tHis face did shine as
the sun, and his raiment was white as